Jadakiss is a respected, if not entirely well-known rapper. Born Jason Phillips in Yonkers, New York, he was interested in rap from a very early age. When his parents told him to get a job and earn his own keep, Jadakiss was lured into the life of drug-dealing on the streets by friends, and his interest in rap music started there.

Jadakiss became a popular freestyler, engaging in competitions by the time he was twelve. He and some of his early friends, such as Sheek , were given the opportunity to compete in the Jack the Rapper competition in Florida, and Jadakiss did quite well, making friends with the Ruff Ryders. As a teen, he was given the opportunity to get into a recording studio, and has blossomed ever since.

Jada and his squad have been featured on many underground mix tapes, including the legendary DJ Clue. He formed the rap group the Lox in 1994, which became popular in the summer of 1997 with their multi-platinum tribute to the Notorious B.I.G. called "We'll Always Love Big Poppa" (the B-side to Puff Daddy's "I'll Be Missing You"). In 1999 Jadakiss joined with the Ruff Ryders as well.

Jada's debut solo album, Kiss the Game Goodbye, was released in August of 2001 under the Ruff Ryders/Interscope label. His new album, Kiss of Death, was released in June, 2004, and reveals a deeper side to Phillips' typical talk of drugs, guns, and snitches. He speaks honestly about such current events as Arnold Schwarzenegger becoming the governor of California, Aaliyah's death, and Denzel Washington finally winning an Oscar. He also tries to give insight into events in his personal life, such as family problems and being robbed of $100,000.

Jadakiss attracted some controversy (and condemnation from Bill O'Reilly, who labeled him a "smear merchant") with "Why," a song from Kiss of Death, which features lyrics that seem to imply a link between George W. Bush and the September 11, 2001 attacks. The track (which peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in September 2004) was banned on some radio stations or played only with the lyrics in question censored.

Discography

• Kiss tha Game Goodbye in March 2001
• We Gonna Make it [Single] in August 2001
• Knock Yourself Out [Single] in October 2002
• Time's Up [Single] in April 2004
• Kiss of Death in June 2004

Sources

• Jada biography
• Altschools Bio

See also

• List of hip hop musicians